In the Siena province cyclists are welcome. In addition to magnificent roads, bike tourists will find accommodations that take into account the needs of those who travel pedaling. Precisely for this reason, the Siena Tourism Promotion Agency (APT) has selected a range of accommodations offering useful services to bike riders. They may be farmhouses immersed in nature, accommodations in small towns or even in the heart of Siena, the choice is up to you.
The following is a quick list of the essential requirements for accommodations to have in order to be selected by the APT.
Bike Storage:
An enclosed space devoted to bicycles. The essential requirement is safety, so it should be accessible only by customers. In this space there can also be a cabinet or shelves to deposit shoes, wind vests, helmets, shoe covers, generally worn before getting on the bike.
Repair Workshop:
It can be a dedicated area of the property, or alternatively it may consist of a box with all the tools to do maintenance on the bike. The toolbox or workshop should have all the necessary tools and more common spares to fix all the problems that may arise during road or mountain bike usage. Wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, air pumps, lubricants, inner tubes, gear and brake cables are an example.
The Right Diet:
After a day on a bike, dinner time is sacred. Here quality and quantity have to match high expectations. Menus that emphasize the taste of raw ingredients without fried or fatty foods are important after a bike tour. Extra virgin olive oil, ham, vegetables and legumes, cheeses and local cold cuts are generally very appreciated. Pasta dishes are of course fundamental , as complex carbohydrates are fundamental for sports lovers. In addition, fluid integrators of minerals paired with fruit or fructose are provided. Each meal, from breakfast to dinner, is arranged to satisfy the needs of bikers. Bike tourists can also request a take-away lunch with fruit, sandwich and a drink and some energy bars in advance the previous day of their bike tour.
Laundry:
Either self service or catered, it is provided on site.
Bike Wash:
A water pump, a bucket, sponges, detergent, degreaser and old towels or rags are provided on site.
Rent a Bike:
If you do not own your own bike, the place may rent one for you. Check before booking, and ask about any specific requirements your bike should have, like quality and tech specs.
Tour Guides:
Many routes require an expert guide of the territory. Request a knowledgeable authorized guide.
Bikers’ Corner:
An area where bike tourists can find interesting aids and information on biking. General guides of the territory, magazines, travel guides, perhaps a small library or video library. This corner can be very useful during relaxation moments or in the event of adverse weather conditions.
Internet Access:
Available at your accommodation, either ensuite or in a centralized location.
Emergency Needs:
Another service that may be available in the event of an accident, mechanical problems, or adverse weather conditions, is the recovery along the route with a car. You will be given a specific number to call only in case of immediate emergency.
Not all accommodations participating to the project offer all services, but you can see the details of each and the services offered. In any case, all accommodations guarantee bike storage, tools, route information and restaurants (for facilities that have a restaurant on site) services. Get more detailed info on each property at the official Terre di Siena on Bike site.
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